Fire Prevention Week brings Onalaska community together

What started as a commemoration of the Great Chicago and Peshtigo Fires nearly a century ago, is now a national campaign to promote fire safety.

It's Fire Prevention Week in the United States and Canada, and the Onalaska Fire Department celebrated by hosting an open house for members of the community.

Children and their family's checked out the equipment, learned fire safety tips, and even put their skills to the test in a smoke simulator in an attempt to get everyone aware of the dangers a fire can pose.

"Safety messages need to be reinforced, not only this time of the year, changes of seasons, throughout the year," Onalaska Fire Chief Don Dominick said. "It's for young adults, for children and adults to remember to be fire-safe, looking out for potential hazards, and taking care of those hazards prior to becoming a fire."

The main goal of Fire Prevention Week is to promote fire safety, but it also serves as a way to bring the community together.

"I believe that the pride in the fire department that they are supporting. The men and women that are part of this department, who are also part of the community. To be able to share questions, ask questions, questions that are specific to the region, to our community, and also to the individuals."

Each year also has a new theme, and this year is "Don't Wait...Check the Date!" reminding people the importance of replacing their smoke alarms every 10 years.